New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has revealed the franchise's strategic transformation as they prepare for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. He emphasized that simply reaching the playoffs twice is insufficient, as the team now has its sights set on capturing its inaugural trophy.

Reflecting on the challenges faced in IPL 2025, Goenka highlighted the team's tenacity, especially amid serious injuries impacting their bowling lineup.

“A silver lining was winning four out of our first six matches despite the absence of most of our key bowlers,” he mentioned during an interview with JioStar.

He praised the team's management for their innovative approach, which yielded surprising results. Shifting Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh to openings—positions they typically do not occupy—proved to be a brilliant decision.

“Some daring strategies, like promoting Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh to open, were unconventional, yet they resulted in their finest IPL seasons,” Goenka remarked.

Among the notable breakthroughs was the emergence of fresh talent like Digvesh Rathi, who made a commendable debut. “Digvesh Rathi entered as a rookie and performed admirably for us,” he stated.

Nevertheless, Goenka recognized a critical flaw in their structure that hindered the team's overall effectiveness: a weakened bowling core. Tackling this issue has been a primary focus during the off-season.

“We acknowledged our need for a robust bowling unit, and we've intentionally worked on building a domestic Indian bowling lineup this time. We are pleased with our progress,” he said.

While expressing contentment with the team's composition, Goenka reiterated that the journey of improvement is continuous, especially as they approach the new season with renewed confidence. “There's always room for enhancement; striving for excellence is a never-ending endeavor. Ultimately, we possess a squad that meets all requirements,” he added.

Most importantly, the franchise is shifting its philosophy from individual talent to collective performance.

“Now, the focus is on uniting and delivering as a cohesive unit rather than as individuals. Last season saw too many individual performances. This time, we aim to function as a team,” he explained.

For Goenka, the ultimate aspiration is clear: to secure the franchise's first IPL title. He believes that despite two playoff appearances, true identity and acknowledgment are only attained through championship victories.

“I believe our true identity is still forming. A sports team doesn't garner the same respect or affection until it lifts the trophy,” he expressed.

“Indeed, we’ve reached the playoffs on two occasions, but that is clearly not enough… we must win our first trophy,” he concluded.